State Rep. Gina Johnsen today secured state House passage of her plan to create a Silver Alert system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults.

House Bill 4362 requires the Michigan State Police to implement a mobile alert system using existing federal technology that first responders can utilize when seniors or vulnerable adults are reported missing. The system would allow law enforcement to send rapid alerts to mobile phones, similar to Amber Alerts, once a missing person report has been filed.

“Getting answers fast is absolutely critical in these tragic instances,” said Johnsen, R-Portland. “This bill ensures information gets out fast and directly to the public, where it can make the most difference.”

Under current law, police can utilize wireless emergency alerts to notify broadcasters and newspapers, but not the public directly. Johnsen’s plan utilizes modern technology and gets rid of that restriction and allows these notifications to go out more broadly, just as they do for Amber Alerts. The legislation does not require the creation of a new department, commission, or allocation of state funding.

“This is a commonsense, life-saving measure,” Johnsen said. “It protects our most vulnerable residents, respects local law enforcement, and uses existing resources to better serve Michigan families.”

Johnsen’s plan passed the House with broad, bipartisan support and is backed by several organizations, including the State Employees Retirees Association, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, and the Friendship Centers of Emmet County.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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